Volunteer

Month after month, volunteers make the work of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council possible. Whether it’s through planting trees and removing invasive species, reviewing land use applications, planning watershed events, attending meetings or advising on restoration projects, volunteers are the heart of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council.

If you have a particular area of interest that you would like to work in, special skills to share, or a specific field of knowledge, just let us know. Contact Amy Ludholz, our Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, at 503-652-7477 or amy@jcwc.org to find out how you can help!

Ways to Volunteer

1. Restoration Volunteer

Either individually, with friends, co-workers or family joining the Johnson Creek Watershed Council at a restoration event is a great way to volunteer. No skills, tools or additional commitments necessary to help.

Depending on the time of year, volunteers will join Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Amy Lodholz at several different sites to remove invasive species, mulch, or plant native trees and shrubs.

Restoration events are typically 2 to 3 hours in length with group’s size ranging from 15 to 50 volunteers. All tools, gloves and equipment are provided. We also have rain gear and rubber boots to borrow if you need them.

2. Land Use Advocate

For the past 40 years, Oregon has maintained a strong land use planning program through the state’s 19 Statewide Planning Goals. Local and regional entities are required to create Comprehensive Plans which apply the Statewide Planning Goals to real planning issues in a cohesive fashion.
• Do you have an interest in learning about sustainable land use planning?
• Do you ever wonder how or why local development projects occur and who provides the voice for the protection of our local natural resources?
• Do you want to learn more about how natural areas are created and advocated for?
• Do you have an interest in helping guide urban growth within the Johnson Creek Watershed?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider being a land use advocate. JCWC is always looking for self-motivated volunteers who want to assist with protecting the resources of the Johnson Creek Watershed. Tasks for this position might include researching pertinent land use issues within the watershed, attending City Council meetings and other government planning events, and talking with community members and government officials about the land use process. Knowledge of local land use issues is appreciated but not required to get involved.
Contact JCWC Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Amy Lodholz at amy@jcwc.org to find out what current issues JCWC is focused on and how you can help.

3. The Outreach Task Force

The Outreach Task Force is dedicated to reaching out to the community to inspire and facilitate investment in the Johnson Creek Watershed. The Outreach Task Force gets people involved in watershed activities by representing the Council at a number of different public events. These events include street fairs, farmer markets, and various community events. Members of the Task Force engage with the public by speaking on behalf of the Council about our volunteer opportunities, publications, and upcoming events.

The way to a healthy watershed is through people. For more information please contact Amy at 503-652-7477, or email amy@jcwc.org.

4. Johnson Creek Stewards Program

At the beginning of each year, Portland Parks and Recreation identifies natural areas within the Johnson Creek Watershed that require a delicate touch. These are healthy areas that might be damaged by a large group of people but still need ongoing maintenance. These very important natural areas are then assigned to that year’s Johnson Creek Stewards. The trained Stewards will have permission to access these areas to perform ongoing restoration work.

The Johnson Creek Stewards can work independently or with each other, for a minimum of two hours each month for 12 consecutive month from January to December.
This year, Stewards can work at the following parks:

5. Internship

Intern Keven Salazar

A JCWC internship is a great opportunity for volunteers who might be looking for college credit, additional work skills, or a long term volunteer opportunity. We offer internships throughout the year. A JCWC internship is typically 60 to 80 hours in length, and is completed over about 10 weeks.The schedule is flexible. Depending on which JCWC staff member you work with, tasks will include research, grant writing, restoration, outreach, communications, data entry, event assistance, and various other tasks that may arise.

6. Green Street Stewards Program

Individuals can sign up any time for a 12-month commitment

The health of our watershed determines the health of our stream. In creating the City of Portland, citizens have covered the Johnson Creek Watershed with streets, roofs, driveways and parking lots. In the process, we’ve changed the relationship between watersheds, rivers and streams. Green streets help protect and restore our river system by capturing and treating stormwater runoff that might otherwise end up in Johnson Creek, untreated.

Green Street Stewards can improve Johnson Creek Watershed health by helping to pick up trash, remove leaves and debris, clear curb openings and overflow drains, and occasionally weed and water green street facilities. The position typically consists of two hours each month, over a period of 12 months.

7. Become a Board Member for JCWC

JCWC is a dynamic organization that is leading the community effort to improve Johnson Creek. Preferred candidates also live in the Johnson Creek Watershed. See a list of the current Board of Directors here. We are growing our Board and welcome applicants with the following skill sets:

Watershed science

Agriculture

Community outreach

Fundraising

Education

Marketing

If you are interested in this two-year leadership opportunity, please contact Board Chair Russ Mantifel or Vice Chair Dick Schubert with a letter of interest and resume.

Board Meetings occur every other month and are open to the public. Check the events calendar to find the next event if you’re interested in checking them out. Board Members also serve on working committees. Getting involved with Governance, Executive, Fundraising, Land Use or Facilities is a great ways to get experience with board work before joining.

Email Amy Lodholz if you would like to discuss joining a committee before applying for board service.